Netflix Documentary Exposes Exploitation Behind Piper Rockelle’s Social Media Success

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A new Netflix documentary series casts a shadow over the online fame of influencer Piper Rockelle and her mother, Tiffany Smith, revealing troubling allegations of abuse and exploitation behind the scenes of their popular social media empire.

The three-part series, titled “Bad Influence,” premieres April 9 and delves into the allegedly toxic environment surrounding the mother-daughter duo, highlighting claims of manipulation, financial exploitation, and emotional distress from former collaborators.

Rockelle, who gained prominence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, began her journey in entertainment at just four years old, inspired by the TLC reality show “Toddlers & Tiaras.” Her mother, Smith, embraced this ambition by enrolling her in beauty pageants, though with limited success.

From there, Rockelle’s fame skyrocketed after she joined the app Musical.ly, which later transitioned to TikTok. By November 2016, the duo was approached by a social media producer Encouraging them to launch a YouTube channel. In March 2017, Rockelle’s first video was posted, and she quickly formed a group of young collaborators known as “the Squad” inspired by YouTuber Jake Paul’s Team 10.

As they churned out elaborate prank videos, including a challenge that garnered over 8.4 million views, Rockelle’s channel became immensely successful, attracting partnerships with major brands like Disney and NBCUniversal. By 2022, her brand was reportedly making between $4.2 million and $7.5 million annually from social media advertising.

However, as Rockelle’s popularity grew, so did concerns regarding the treatment of child performers on set. Former Squad members reported working hours far exceeding California’s legal limits for minors, along with claims of inadequate breaks and on-set schooling.

The situation escalated when eleven former members of the Squad filed a lawsuit in January 2022, seeking $22 million in damages, alleging that Smith had exploited child actors and created a hostile work environment. Allegations included emotional and potentially sexual abuse, leading to widespread criticism and media scrutiny.

In response to the growing controversy, Smith rejected claims of wrongdoing, stating, “I have always strived to comply with the laws and never considered myself an ‘employer’.” Meanwhile, Rockelle expressed how the allegations severely impacted her health and emotional well-being.

Following the lawsuit’s filing, YouTube demonetized Rockelle’s channel, leading to a significant loss of income. As partnerships waned and live event cancellations followed, both Smith and Rockelle’s credibility faced challenges.

As the case unfolded in the courts, the fallout has become particularly profound for Rockelle, who described the experience as “extremely painful.” In October 2024, a settlement of $1.85 million was reached, although both parties involved denied any wrongdoing in their agreements.

Despite the turmoil, Rockelle continues to create content, amassing a following of over 18 million subscribers. In the aftermath of the allegations, she remains focused on moving forward with her career, saying, “Thank goodness this is finally behind us.”

The documentary, “Bad Influence,” is expected to provoke conversations about the safety and ethical considerations surrounding child influencers in the entertainment industry and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting April 9, 2024.